Mary Ann Chelius Smith, the chain's retired vice president of public relations, served eggs to a line of happy customers.

"Only for Al Boscov would I get up at 5:30 on Thanksgiving morning," she said.

Boscov said the company wouldn't make money from the breakfast, but it was a gift for the customers.

"Just a way of saying 'thank you' for their loyalty," he explained.

Julie Hepp of Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, said her family drove to the Exeter store because they wanted breakfast before they shopped.

She introduced her son, John, as a big fan of the store to Boscov, and Boscov gave him a hug.

"I've been coming here as long as I can remember," said John, 11.

He said the family used to live near Wilkes-Barre and bought its rat terrier, Diamond, at that city's Boscov's.

On his rounds through the store, Boscov was stopped by numerous employees and customers congratulating and thanking him.

Boscov shook hands with the men and flirted with the women, greeting them with kisses on the cheek.

"It's so great to have you back," said Melanie Smith of Exeter. "You can't beat these bargains!"

She'd scheduled a later Thanksgiving dinner than usual so she could shop at Boscov's.

"It's something we want to do to show we support him," said Smith's father, Jim Caltagirone, Millmont.

Boscov said he'd normally be spending the day with his children and grandchildren, but this year his Thanksgiving dinner was planned for 6 p.m. Many of the employees had made different plans too.

"Most people had to postpone their family parties and dinners and such," he said. "They're just happy the stores are open."

Employees who wrapped purchases or walked around with trays of fudge appeared happy to be at work.

Boscov made a few announcements over the public-address system about the 99-cent breakfast.

"If we missed putting something on sale that you love, let me know and we'll put it on sale while you're watching," he said.

Jim Hester of Browns Mills, N.J., took him up on that offer for a reclining lift chair he wanted for his wife. The chair was already on sale for $699.99, but Boscov ordered $100 off the price and said it would be delivered to New Jersey.